Assessing neutrophil-derived ROS production at the bedside: a potential prognostic tool in severe COVID-19 cases.

PURPOSE: A prompt and effective immune response is required for clearance of pathogens but exaggerated states of inflammation can cause extensive collateral damage to the host. We have previously used a rapid near-patient assay that measures the functional capacity of neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to show that values are elevated in patients with severe COVID-19 or sepsis. Here, we assess the utility of longitudinal ROS measurements to monitor and predict mortality outcome for patients with COVID-19 infection being treated in an ICU setting. METHODS: We used the Leukocyte ImmunoTest™ (LIT™) to quantify neutrophil ROS release using a small volume (10 µL) of capillary blood in a portable, rapid (10-min) format. RESULTS: ROS values (LIT score) and ROS levels assessed in relation to neutrophil count (LIT/N) were both markedly elevated in the patient group. Furthermore, these correlated strongly with peripheral neutrophil count and CRP value. Serial measurement of neutrophil or CRP values were not able to reliably predict mortality within the study. In contrast, LIT and LIT/N values started to decline at 7 and 5 days, respectively, in patients who survived ICU admission and this increment increased further thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: This study raises the possibility of LIT and LIT/N to be used as a predictive clinical tool for patients with severe COVID-19 and argues for its assessment to inform on prognosis, and potentially guide treatment pathways, in other disorders associated with neutrophil activation. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: A longitudinal study of 44 severe COVID-19 patients in the ICU of a leading teaching hospital has demonstrated the prognostic potential of a rapid bedside assay of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Assessment of changes in ROS production, as measured using the Leukocyte ImmunoTest™, shows that ROS production generally declined back to normal levels for patients who survived, but remained elevated for those patients who did not survive.

The factors predicting pneumonia in COVID-19 patients: preliminary results from a university hospital in Turkey

Background/aim: Pneumonia is the most serious clinical presentation of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings that can properly predict COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the Gazi University hospital. All hospitalized patients with confirmed and suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection between 16 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. COVID-19 patients were separated into two groups, pneumonia and nonpneumonia, and then compared to determine predicting factors for COVID-19 pneumonia. Variables that had a P-value of less than 0.20 and were not correlated with each other were included in the logistic regression model. Results: Of the 247 patients included in the study 58% were female, and the median age was 40. COVID-19 was confirmed in 70.9% of these patients. Among the confirmed COVID-19 cases, 21.4% had pneumonia. In the multivariate analysis male sex (P = 0.028), hypertension (P = 0.022), and shortness of breath on hospital admission (P = 0.025) were significant factors predicting COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusion: Shortness of breath, male sex, and hypertension were significant for predicting COVID-19 pneumonia on admission. Patients with these factors should be evaluated more carefully for diagnostic procedures, such as thorax CT.

Comparisons of the effects of the sevoflurane and propofol on acute ischemia reperfusion and DNA damages in rabbits / Comparações dos efeitos de sevoflurano e propofol sobre isquemia-reperfusão aguda e danos ao DNA em coelhos

Abstract Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on oxidative DNA damage that occurs in low-extremity ischemia and is caused by tourniquet application. Methods: Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group S (n = 7) received sevoflurane (2.5-4 percent) inhalation and Group P (n = 7) received a propofol infusion (1-2 mg·kg-1·min-1), after which a pneumatic tourniquet was placed on the right lower extremity. Blood samples were collected prior to tourniquet placement (baseline), 120 min after ischemia, 15 min after ischemia and 120 minutes (min) after ischemia. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed to determine lipid peroxidation, and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was used to determine DNA damage. Results: At 15 min after ischemia, the MDA levels in Group P (8.15 ± 2.61 µM) were higher than baseline (6.26 ± 3.19 µM, p = 0.026) and Group S (4.98 ± 0.77 µM, p = 0.01). DNA damage was similar in both groups, although DNA damage was higher than baseline (tail moment 0.63 ± 0.27, tail intensity 3.76 ± 1.26) in Group P at the 15th minute of reperfusion (tail moment 1.05 ± 0.45, p = 0.06; tail intensity 5.33 ± 1.56, p = 0.01). The increase in tail moment and tail intensity returned to normal levels in both groups 2 hours after the termination of ischemia. Conclusion: Given that oxidative stress and genotoxic effect disappear in the late stages of reperfusion, we conclude that neither sevoflurane nor propofol can be considered superior to the other in anesthesia practices for extremity surgeries involving the use of a tourniquet.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Comparar os efeitos da anestesia com sevoflurano e propofol sobre o dano oxidativo ao DNA que ocorre na isquemia de extremidade inferior e é causada pela aplicação de torniquete. Métodos: Foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos iguais 14 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia. Grupo S (n = 7) recebeu inalação de sevoflurano (2,5-4%) e Grupo P (n = 7) recebeu perfusão de propofol (1-2 mg·kg-1·min-1), logo após um torniquete pneumático foi colocado na extremidade inferior direita. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes da colocação do torniquete (fase basal), após 120 minutos de isquemia, 15 minutos após a isquemia e 120 minutos após a isquemia. Os níveis de malondialdeído (MDA) foram analisados para determinar a peroxidação de lipídios e eletroforese em gel de célula única (EGCU) foi usada para determinar o dano ao DNA. Resultados: Aos 15 minutos após a isquemia, os níveis de MDA no Grupo P (8,15 ± 2,61 µM) foram superiores aos da fase basal (6,26 ± 3,19 µM, p = 0,026) e dp Grupo S (4,98 ± 0,77 µM, p = 0,01). O dano causado ao DNA foi semelhante nos dois grupos, embora tenha sido maior do que na fase basal (momento da cauda 0,63 ± 0,27, intensidade da cauda 3,76 ± 1,26) no Grupo P no 15 minutos de reperfusão (momento da cauda 1,05 ± 0,45, p = 0,06; intensidade da cauda 5,33 ± 1,56, p = 0,01). O aumento no momento da cauda e a intensidade da cauda voltaram aos níveis normais nos dois grupos duas horas após o término da isquemia. Conclusão: Como o estresse oxidativo e o efeito genotóxico desaparecem nos estágios finais da reperfusão, concluímos que não há superioridade tanto de sevoflurano quanto de propofol em práticas de anestesia para procedimentos cirúrgicos de extremidades que envolvem o uso de torniquete.

[Comparisons of the effects of the sevoflurane and propofol on acute ischemia reperfusion and DNA damages in rabbits]. / Comparações dos efeitos de sevoflurano e propofol sobre isquemia­reperfusão aguda e danos ao DNA em coelhos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on oxidative DNA damage that occurs in low-extremity ischemia and is caused by tourniquet application. METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group S (n=7) received sevoflurane (2.5-4 percent) inhalation and Group P (n=7) received a propofol infusion (1-2mg·kg-1·min-1), after which a pneumatic tourniquet was placed on the right lower extremity. Blood samples were collected prior to tourniquet placement (baseline), 120min after ischemia, 15min after ischemia and 120minutes (min) after ischemia. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed to determine lipid peroxidation, and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was used to determine DNA damage. RESULTS: At 15min after ischemia, the MDA levels in Group P (8.15±2.61µM) were higher than baseline (6.26±3.19µM, p=0.026) and Group S (4.98±0.77µM, p=0.01). DNA damage was similar in both groups, although DNA damage was higher than baseline (tail moment 0.63±0.27, tail intensity 3.76±1.26) in Group P at the 15th minute of reperfusion (tail moment 1.05±0.45, p=0.06; tail intensity 5.33±1.56, p=0.01). The increase in tail moment and tail intensity returned to normal levels in both groups 2hours after the termination of ischemia. CONCLUSION: Given that oxidative stress and genotoxic effect disappear in the late stages of reperfusion, we conclude that neither sevoflurane nor propofol can be considered superior to the other in anesthesia practices for extremity surgeries involving the use of a tourniquet.

Comparisons of the effects of the sevoflurane and propofol on acute ischemia reperfusion and DNA damages in rabbits.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia on oxidative DNA damage that occurs in low-extremity ischemia and is caused by tourniquet application. METHODS: Fourteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group S (n=7) received sevoflurane (2.5-4 percent) inhalation and Group P (n=7) received a propofol infusion (1-2mg·kg-1·min-1), after which a pneumatic tourniquet was placed on the right lower extremity. Blood samples were collected prior to tourniquet placement (baseline), 120min after ischemia, 15min after ischemia and 120minutes (min) after ischemia. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were analyzed to determine lipid peroxidation, and single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was used to determine DNA damage. RESULTS: At 15min after ischemia, the MDA levels in Group P (8.15±2.61µM) were higher than baseline (6.26±3.19µM, p=0.026) and Group S (4.98±0.77µM, p=0.01). DNA damage was similar in both groups, although DNA damage was higher than baseline (tail moment 0.63±0.27, tail intensity 3.76±1.26) in Group P at the 15th minute of reperfusion (tail moment 1.05±0.45, p=0.06; tail intensity 5.33±1.56, p=0.01). The increase in tail moment and tail intensity returned to normal levels in both groups 2hours after the termination of ischemia. CONCLUSION: Given that oxidative stress and genotoxic effect disappear in the late stages of reperfusion, we conclude that neither sevoflurane nor propofol can be considered superior to the other in anesthesia practices for extremity surgeries involving the use of a tourniquet.

Comparison of Patient Costs in Internal Medicine and Anaesthesiology Intensive Care Units in a Tertiary University Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The allocation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health is limited, therefore it has made a need for professional management of health business. Hospital managers as well as employees are required to have sufficient knowledge about the hospital costs. Hospital facilities like intensive care units that require specialization and advanced technology have an important part in costs. For this purpose, cost analysis studies should be done in the general health business and special units separately. METHODS: In this study we aimed to compare the costs of anaesthesiology and internal medicine intensive care units (ICU) roughly. RESULTS: After approval of this study by Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee, the costs of 855 patients that were hospitalized, examined and treated for at least 24 hours in internal medicine and anaesthesiology ICUs between January 2012-August 2013 (20 months period) were taken and analyzed from chief staff of the Department of Information Technology, Gazi University Hospital. CONCLUSION: At the end of the study, we observed clear differences between internal medicine and anaesthesiology ICUs arising from transactions and patient characteristics of units. We stated that these differences should be considered by Social Security Institution (SSI) for the reimbursement of the services. Further, we revealed that SSI payments do not meet the intensive care expenditure.

Placement of a double-lumen tube using LMA C Trach and an exchanger catheter in difficult airway intubation -A case report-.

During insertion of the double lumen tube in patients with cervical vertebral fixation, the cervical neutral position should be maintained. Although flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation is the gold standard, novel techniques are needed to facilitate intubation of patients with cervical vertebral fixation in neutral position according to institutional capabilities. In this case report, insertion of the double lumen tube in the neutral position using LMA CTrach and an airway exchanger catheter in a thoracotomy patient with extremely limited head and neck motion due to fixation of the cervical vertebrae is presented.

Target-controlled infusion of remifentanil with propofol or desflurane under bispectral index guidance: quality of anesthesia and recovery profile.

BACKGROUND: Our objective was to examine the clinical properties of two anesthetic regimens, propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI), or desflurane using remifentanil TCI under bispectral index (BIS) guidance during ear, nose, and throat (ENT) procedures. METHODS: FORTY CONSENTING PATIENTS WHO SCHEDULED FOR ENT PROCEDURES WERE PROSPECTIVELY STUDIED AND WERE INCLUDED IN ONE OF THE TWO GROUPS: TCI group or desflurane (DES) group. General anesthesia was induced with 3 ng mL(-1) and 4 µg mL(-1) effect site concentrations (Ce) of remifentanil and propofol, respectively, with TCI system. After intubation, while propofol infusion was continued in the TCI group, it was ceased in the DES group and desflurane with an initial delivered fraction of 6% was administered. The Ce of propofol infusion and inspired fraction of desflurane was adjusted in order to keep BIS as 50 ± 10. RESULTS: General mean values of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) for the TCI group was significantly higher than DES group (89.3 mmHg and 72.4 bpm vs. 77.1 mmHg and 69.5 bpm). Early emergence from anesthesia did not significantly differ between the groups. The rate of patients' Aldrete score (ARS) to reach 10 was found to be 100% at the 15(th) min in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Bispectral index guided combinations of remifentanil TCI either with propofol TCI or desflurane anesthetic regimens are both suitable for patients undergoing ENT surgery. The lower blood pressure in the remifentanil TCI with desflurane anesthetic regimens may be a significant advantage.

Placement of a double lumen tube in a patient with difficult intubation due to ankylosing spondylitis--a case report.

During insertion of the double lumen tube in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, cervical neutral position should be maintained to avoid vertebral and spinal injuries. Although flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopic intubation is the gold standard, available FOB size is not compatible with that of the endobronchial lumen of the double lumen tube. This problem should be solved according to institutional capabilities. In this report we present a case of insertion of double lumen tube in neutral position using flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and airway exchanger catheter in a thoracotomy patient with extremely limited neck mobility due to ankylosing spondylitis.

Remifentanil versus fentanyl compared in a target-controlled infusion of propofol anesthesia: quality of anesthesia and recovery profile.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical properties of fentanyl versus remifentanil in a target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol anesthesia regimen with bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. METHODS: Forty consenting patients scheduled for elective septorhinoplasty were prospectively studied as one of two groups: fentanyl (group F) or remifentanil (group R). After loading boluses of fentanyl 3 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) were administered, the continuous infusion of fentanyl or remifentanil was started at a rate of 0.03 or 0.15 microg kg(-1) min(-1), respectively. Propofol infusion was then commenced with a 3 microg ml(-1) effect site concentration (Ce) by means of a TCI device. The Ce propofol was adjusted to keep BIS at 50 +/- 10. RESULTS: The general mean value of propofol Ce for group F and group R was 4.0 and 3.5 microg ml(-1), respectively. As to the recovery profile, the eye opening time (mean, 6.7 vs. 4.6 min), extubation time (mean, 7.3 vs. 4.7 min), and orientation time (mean, 7.6 vs. 4.9 min) were found to be significantly longer in group F than in group R. CONCLUSION: We concluded that in propofol-based TCI anesthesia under BIS supervision for septorhinoplasty operations, remifentanil was better than fentanyl, especially with respect to emergence from total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). Furthermore, the durations of anesthesia and operation were rather short, which indicates that fentanyl can be safely used.

Hypotensive anesthesia with esmolol. Assessment of hemodynamics, consumption of anesthetic drugs, and recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of esmolol added to propofol-remifentanil combination for hypotensive anesthesia on hemodynamic conditions, consumption of anesthetic drugs, and recovery, during elective septorhinoplasty. METHODS: This prospective, randomized study was carried out at Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey in 2005. Following Institutional Ethical Committee approval, 40 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I patients were divided into 2 equal groups group remifentanil infusion RP and group esmolol infusion (RP-E). After anesthesia induction with propofol (2-2.5 mg/kg), the mean arterial pressure was aimed to be between 50 mm Hg and 65 mm Hg for controlled hypotensive anesthesia in both groups. In group RP, a remifentanil infusion of 0.1-0.5 microg/kg/min was titrated, following a bolus of 1 microg/kg; for group RP-E, an esmolol infusion of 100-300 mg/kg/min was titrated, following a bolus of 500 microg/kg; to achieve a target blood pressure. In addition, propofol was infused according to depth of anesthesia to maintain anesthesia in both groups. Electrocardiography, heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and consumption of anesthetic drugs were recorded. Postoperatively, recovery times, visual analog pain scores, and side effects were observed. RESULTS: The decrease in the intraoperative heart rate was more significant in group RP-E than in group RP. The remifentanil consumption was much lower in group RP-E. The recovery times were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Addition of esmolol to propofol-remifentanil combination leads to a decrease in remifentanil consumption, without a decrease in cardiac output during hypotensive anesthesia.

Effects of sevoflurane and/or nitrous oxide on bacterial growth in in vitro culture conditions.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of sevoflurane and/or nitrous oxide on bacterial growth under conditions in vitro similar to those of clinical practice. We assessed these effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter lwoffii, and Staphylococcus aureus growth. Bacterial inoculums were prepared from reference strains in nutritive broth. Airtight chambers were filled with bacterial suspensions. Each strain was studied with and without exposure to sevoflurane and/or nitrous oxide at baseline, after 1 and 3 h. Serial dilutions and agar plates were made and the colonies were counted. P. aeruginosa were grown after exposure to the nitrous oxide alone (2.8 x 10(3) colony-forming units/ml; CFU ml(-1)) after 3 h according to the control (P < 0.05). A. lwoffii were grown after exposure to the nitrous oxide and sevoflurane with nitrous oxide (8.7 x 10(3) and 8.0 x 10(3) CFU ml(-1)) (P < 0.05), respectively. There were no changes in S. aureus growth in controls and anesthesia groups. We conclude that the effects of anesthetic agents on bacterial growth may change owing to the type of anesthetic and microorganism.

The effects of desflurane on human platelet aggregation in vitro.

In view of the possible antiplatelet effects of general anesthetics, we investigated the in vitro effects of desflurane, a new inhalation agent, on platelet aggregation. For 15 patients who underwent elective operations, blood was sampled with desflurane induction before and after anesthesia but prior to surgery so that platelet aggregation in the drawn blood could be tested before desflurane anesthesia and again after exposure to the anesthetic. Platelet aggregation was measured with a whole-blood aggregometer. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and ristocetin were used as aggregating agents. Our results showed that aggregation in response to ADP, collagen, or ristocetin was not inhibited in patients who received desflurane anesthesia. This study with an in vitro model showed that desflurane had no influence on platelets in clinically relevant doses.

Airway management of a patient with Weill-Marchesani syndrome.

Weill-Marchesani syndrome is a genetically determined rare systemic connective tissue disorder consisting of brachymorphy, brachydactyly, aortic stenosis, and ophthalmologic abnormalities, such as ectopia lentis, microspherophakia, and secondary glaucoma. The primary lesion is fibrous tissue hyperplasia. Airway control and intubation may be difficult in patients with WMS because of stiff joints, poorly aligned teeth, and maxillary hypoplasia with a narrow palate. We describe the successful airway management of a patient with WMS and laryngeal stenosis, using an intubating laryngeal mask following failed conventional laryngoscopic intubation.